The 2012 San Elijo Hills 5K – billed as the toughest 5K in North County – is set for  this Saturday, Jan 21, beginning at 8 a.m.  The family-centric event also includes a 100-yard dash for youngsters at 10 a.m. and a street fair that runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.   Registration and information is available at www.sanelijohills5k.com.

Net proceeds will benefit San Elijo Middle School, San Elijo Elementary School, Sharlie’s Angels (a local group that is raising funds for a heart/lung transplant for 32-year-old San Marcos resident Sharlie Kaltenback, who was born with cystic fibrosis), and The Academy at San Elijo, a non-profit community-based youth sports and educational organization.   Fees range from $30 for runners 18 and older to $50 for a family of four.  The Kid’s Dash is $5.  Kaltenback supporters also will be taking race-day photos with all proceeds going to support Sharlie.

“The 6^th annual San Elijo Hills 5K course is a challenging, yet fun course for any avid runner/walker or first-time 5K participant – even strollers are welcome on the course,” said Chris Fitzsimmons, director of The Academy of San Elijo and race organizer.  “The course weaves you through the picturesque community of San Elijo Hills, past the iconic town square, schools, parks, neighborhoods, and town center. “

The Community Street Fair, located on Schoolhouse Way between Elfin Forest Road and San Elijo Road will be free and open to the public.  Featuring more than 50 vendors from all over Southern California, the fair will include booths with crafts, clothing, jewelry, art, photography, pet products, health and fitness products, health and beauty products, sports memorabilia and merchandise, home products, and much more.  A variety of food trucks and food vendors have confirmed, including SD Street Eats, Flippin Pizza, Bitchin Burgers, Chappy’s Roadshow BBQ,  Beachin Boba, Arctic Zero, Gealato Dolcetti, and The Klassy Kernel Kettle Corn.

There will be multiple jumpies and games for the kids.  Wristbands will be sold on site for $10 each, and will include unlimited access to jumpies and games.

“We had nearly 300 participants at last year’s event, and we expect the momentum to push us to the 500 mark,” said Fitzsimmons.  “This is the first year we’re incorporating the community street fair and look forward to lots of non-runner attendance.  As the toughest 5K in North County, we get participation from throughout North County,” he said.